Dear Fellow Parishioners, The stress of Covid-19 and all it entails; social distancing, wearing masks, being high risk, another wave coming, and all the information has the potential of leading many into the dangers of isolation. We are the Catholic Community of Sacred Heart and as human beings we are built for community. It is essential for our mental health, sanity and spiritual growth and development that we remain connected, holding each other in love and support and carrying each other during these difficult times.
I am asking everyone to check on their level of connection versus isolation. Please be sure that you are connected and engaged in a meaningful way with each other and our community. It is great to make the connection by live-streaming our Sunday gathering. We have plenty of room at the 4:00 Mass on Saturday evening for at least 50 more to attend and be socially distant. Sunday at 9:30 we have room for another 30 people. We are doing everything possible to keep everyone in attendance protected and safe.
To further provide a safe environment we are going to ask one person from each family to sign-in prior to Mass if we need information for contact tracing. Only one family member needs to give a name and telephone number. For those who ware in the high-risk category again I encourage you to come to church after the 9:30 Mass to receive communion, say a prayer, light a candle and just come into a new environment than your home. Take time to pray the stations of the cross, get a jigsaw puzzle, check out the book swap. Just take the time to make sure you are not isolated and move about in a safe environment.
Currently, with the low numbers for daily Mass, we are socially distancing in the Manella Chapel. If attendance increases, we will to move into the church for daily Mass. So please take that as another way to connect with our community of faith. Again, when attendance increases, we will go back to our normal Sunday Mass schedule.
The dangers of isolation can lead to depression and cause just as much harm as Covid-19. Please look after yourself and your family. We are the Catholic Community of Sacred Heart and as human beings we are built for community. Please take advantage of connecting with people of faith who are on this journey together.